Garment or ironing press



Nov.28, 1933. E. DAvls v1,936,751

- GARMENT OR IRONING PRESS l Original Filed March 11., 1929 42 Sheets-Sheet 2 55 n! :i lfm* Y @smi *y jNVENToR. BY W f; ATToRNEY.

. Patented Nov. 28, 1.933 Y UNITED .STATES 1,936,151 y animar oamoNrNa mass Ernest Davis, symm, N. Y., mmm to The,

Prosperity Company Inc., Syracuse, N. Y., a corporation 'of New York Application Maren 11, 192s, sensi N. 345,921 Renewed March 8, 1933 zi claims.

This invention relates to power operated garment and laundry orv ironing presses having a jaw with an opening and closing movement. An object of the invention is a particularly simple control having a two step motor means by which the press is closed with safety to the operator, firstinto a preliminarily closed position under little or no pressure, or spaced slightly from the head, and second into a ilnally closed position under heavyv pressure. T 'he control includesindependently operable members, one for each operating step. It further. has for its object, means by which the press may be locked at will in a preliminarily closed position during the 35 closing movement and in such position during the opening movement after the release of the final heavy pressure for the purpose of treating the work to currents of air or steam or for any other purpose.

0 A further object of the invention is to improve the control mechanism shown in my copendingapplication 300,456 iiled August 18, 1928, for Pressing machine. f

The invention consists in the novel features and in the combinations and constructions hereinafter set forth and claimed.

In describing this invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters designate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a pressing machine embodying my invention.

Figure 2 is afragmentary sectional view o the motor means land controls therefor.

This pressing machine comprises, generally, c0- operating pressing elements or jaws, one of which is movable toward and from the other with a Y two step closing movement, first into a position '.adjacenttoor in light contact with the other element or 'jaw and second into final pressing coaction therewith; motor means for actuating the movable element, an operator-operated member for controlling the first actuating step of the motor means, and a second operator-operated member for controlling the second actuating step ofthe motor means and operable independently oi.' the iirst operator-operated control member.

/ The machine further includes means for locking the press closed at the end of the first step, in-

iinal pressingposition, and also in the preliminary closed position after the release oi' the movable press element or jaw from its iinal pressing position. v

The means for locking the press closed in ilnal Dressing position is here shown asbeing operated automatically by the heavy pressure control means; the feature of operating the means for locking the press closed in iinal pressing position non-automatically, or at will, is part of the subject matter of my copending application;v Sr. No. 351,032. illed March 29, 1929.

As hereshowu, my invention is embodied in a conventional type oi garment or laundry pressing machine, in which'y the coacting pressing elements are respectively, a buck or stationary jaw l, and a head or movable jaw 2 movable toward and from the buck. The buck 1 is mounted on asuitable bracket 3 supported on a table 4 of a frame 5. Y

The head or movable Jaw 2 is carried at the 70 forward end of a yoke lever 6 pivoted between its ends at 7 to a standard 8 rising from the frame. 'I'he motor means in the illustrated embodiment oi my invention is pressure operated and includes a pressure operated motor and motion transmitting connections between the motor and the yoke 6.

The motor means here illustrated comprises preferably two motors, one motor including a cylinder 9 having a piston 10 movable therein, 80 the cylinder being pivoted to have an oscillating movement. Motion transmitting connections between the piston 10'and the movable press iaw 2 comprise an angle lever 11 pivoted at 12 at its vangle to the base of the frame and having a iorwardly extending arm pivoted at 13 to a piston rod 14 and an upwardly extending arm 15 pivoted at 16 to the lower end of the link 1'?, the upper end of which link is pivoted at 18 to the rear .arm of the yoke lever 6. The arm. 15 and 90 link 17 form a toggle. The piston is single act-- ing, and when the pressure isv released therein, the press is opened by countersprings 19 and 20. The motor means further include a cylinder 9 pivoted -to the frame and having a piston 10, 95. and piston rod 21 which is pivoted-to the rear arm of the yoke lever 6 at 18. The motor means having two cylinders and pistons constitutes in eiect one motor. Two cylinders are used as it is more convenient to divide up themovverment 10U of the motor into two steps by using two cylinders than by using a motor in one unit.

` As the motor'means here illustrated is presy sure operated. the control members 'or means are valves for controlling the flow of motive fluid to and from the motor means. If diierent types of motors are employed, than that here illus-4 trated, the'equivalent of valves, s for instance, switches, could be used.

The valve mechanism i'or controlling the ilrst 110 actuating step of the motorv means comprises a casing 22 connected to a feed line 23 and to the cylinder 98 through a pipe 24 a normally closed spring pressed intake valve 25 in the casing-22 and the normally open exhaust valve 26, the

valves being connected together to act as a unit.

The valves are operated by an operator-operated member, preferably a pedal 27. The movement of the pedal is transferred to the valves through a spring 28 to one arm of a lever 29 pivoted at 30 and having an arm 31 thrusting against the stem of the exhaust valve 26. The spring 28 encircles a rod 32 pivoted to the pedal 27 and pivotally and slidably connected, at 33, to the lever 29.

Obviously, upon depression of the pedal 27, the motive fluid, as air, Will be free to flow from the feed line 23 through the casing 22, and pipe 24 to the cylinder 9a to actuate the piston therein. The throw ofthe piston is such as to bring the head 2 down adjacent to orA in light contact with the buck 1.

When the pedal 27 is released, the a-ir will exhaust from the cylinder 9a back through the pipe 24, valve casing'22 and out of the exhaust port controlled by the valve 26. However, there is provided means for locking the control member or valve in its operated position so that the head may be held in its preliminarily closed position as long as desired.

This locking means may be of any suitable construction, and as here shown comprises a dia phragm chamber 34 having a diaphragm 35 therein which acts on a sliding stem 36 thrusting against an arm of the lever 29. The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber is connected by a pipe 37 to a control .valve casing `38 which is connected to a feed line 39.

The control valve casing 38 contains a normally closed, spring pressed intake valve 40 and a normally open exhaust valve 4l, the two valves being connected to act as a unit by a stem 42. This valve casing is usually'located on the head 2.

A manual lever 43 is pivoted at 44 to a bracket on the valve casing 38 and has an arm 45 thrusting against the stem of the exhaust valve 41.

The lever 43 has a spring which acts to hold it inv will flow into the diaphragm chamber 34 to lock f the valves 25 and 26 in their operated positions, in fact, the valves may be operated with this lever 43 without depressing the pedal 27. The lever 43 is preferably placed on the head 2 as the operator first lays or arranges the garment on the buck 1 and while still having his hand on the garment, depresses the pedal 27, this operation being the same and requiring the same mental reaction as in a foot operated press. If, at the end of the preliminarily closing movement the work requires air blowing or steaming treatment, the operator instead of nally closing the press may lock the press lin its preliminarily closed position by pulling down on the lever 43, and while the pressis so locked, steam or air blowing treatments may be givenby the goods. The valves for controlling the SeCOlld. Operating step are connected in series in the feed line 23 between the valve casing 22 and the cylinder 9 so that the valvesin the casing 22 must be operated before air can flow into the cylinder 9.

A valve casing 49 is connected by a pipe 50 to the feed line 23 through the pipe 24 and valve casing 22. A pipe 51 and another valve mechanism complete the connection to the cylinder 9. 52 and 53 are connected intake and exhaust valves in the casing 49, these valves being pressed by a spring 54 to their normal position. The valves are operated by a lever 55 pivoted at 55a to a bracket on the casing 49, one arm of the lever coacting with the stem of the exhaust valve 53.

Another valve casing 56, previously referred to, has a normally closed, spring pressed intake valve 57 therein and a normally open exhaust valve 58 which is connected to the valve 57 by a stem`57a. The intake end of the valve casing 56 is connected to the pipe 51 and the casing is connected by a pipe 59 to the intake port 60 of the cylinder 9. A suitable spring pressed check valve 61 is located in the casing 56 between the intake valve 57 and the pipe 51 to prevent back flow of air from the casing to the pipe 51. The valves 57 and 58 are operated by a lever 62 having an arm 63 thrusting against the stem of the'exhaust valve 58. These valves are locked in their operated positions by a diaphragm chamber 64 having a diaphragm 65 therein acting on the sliding stem 66 which thrusts against an arm of the lever 62. The pressure side of the diaphragm chamber 64 is connected by a duct 67 to the interior of the casing 56. Also, the pressure side of` the diaphragm chamber 64 is connected by a pipe 68 to a valve casing 69 which casing has a normally closed spring-pressed release valve 70 therein which is operated by a manual or trip lever 71.

The levers 55 and 62 which operate the valves controlling the second step of the motor means, are operated by an actuating member common to both of them. This actuating member consists of a rod 72 movable vertically of the frame and connected at '73 at its lower end to a pedal 74, the rod having laterally extending arms 75, -76, which carry spring pressed abutments 77, 78 to thrust against the lever varms 62, 55. The operating movement of the rod is resisted by a spring 79.

In operation the operator first depresses the pedal 27 to open the intake valve 25 and close the exhaust valve 26. Working fluid from the supply line 23 will then flow around the open intake valve 25, through the valve casing 22, and pipe 24 to the cylinder 9a and operate the piston 10 to close the press into preliminary closed position.

When the operator wishes to apply heavy pressure.to the pressing elementsV he will depress the pedal 74 which will operate the valves in the valve casings 49 and 56 so that the intake valves 52 and 57 will open and the exhaust valves 53 and 58 will close. Working fluid will then flow from the pipe 24, through the pipe 50, around the open intake valve 52, through the valve casing 49, pipe 51, past the check valve 61, around ythe open intake valve 57, through the valve casing 56, and pipe 59, to the cylinder 9 and operate the piston 10 to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements. As soon as the valves in the valve casings 49 and 56 are operated to supply working fluid to the cylinder 9, the valves in the valve casing 56 will lock in operated position due to working uid passing through the duct 67 into the diaphragm chamber 64 as previously described.

If the operator depresses the pedal 74 momentarily some working iluid will be supplied tothe cylinder 9, the valves in the valve casing 56 will be locked in operated position, but when the pedal 74 is released the flow of working fluid to the cylinder 9 will be cut off due to the closing of the intake valve 52. Working iluid cannot exhaust from the cylinder 9 however, because the exhaust valve 58 is locked in closed position and the check valve 61 prevents the escape of working fluid back through the pipe 51. The operator can now apply graduated heavy pressure. That is he can increase the pressure in the cylinder 9 in any number of steps. This graduated pressure is produced by successive operations of the pedal 74. Each time the pedal 74 is thus operated the valves in the valve casing 49 will be operated to admit additional working fluid through the pipe 51, past the check va1ve 61, past the intake valve 57 which is now`locked in open position, and through the valve casing 56, and pipe 59, to the cylinder 9. The amount of additional pressure applied to the cylinder 9 `will depend on the length of time that the intake valve 52 is held opened ateach successive operation. Heavy pressure may be applied in one step, rather than in graduated steps, if the operator depresses the pedal 74 and holds it depressed until suilicient working fluid flows to the cylinder 9 to build up the pressure in the cylinder to full line pressure. x

When the operator wishes to release heavy pressure he will operate the trip lever 7l to open the release valve 70 and permit working fluid to exhaust from the diaphragm chamber 64, through the pipe 68, and valvecasing 69. When the pressure in the diaphragm chamber 64 is thus released the valves in the valve casing 56 will return to normal position with the exhaust valve 58 open so that working fluid from the cylinder 9 will exhaust through the-.pipe 59, valve I casing 56, and `past the open exhaust valve 58.

If the press has been locked in preliminary closed position by operation of the lever 48, in the manner previously described, the press will remain locked in preliminary closed position afterrelease'of working iluid from the heavy pressure cylinder 9. When the operator wishes to release the press from preliminary closed position he will operate the lever 43 so that the exhaust valve 4l will open and working uidexhaust from the diaphragm chamber 34 through the pipe 37, valve casing 38, and past the open exhaust valve 41. When pressure in the'diaphragm chamber 34 is thus releasedrfthe valves inthe valve casing 26 will return to normal posiheld in operated position by the diaphragm 65.

' The spring between the arm 75 and thelever 62 permits the rod 72 to be actuated far enough to operate the valves 52 and 53 even though'thediaphragm 65 is\ holding the valves 57 and 58 in operated position.

The space between- What I claim is:

1. `In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements one of which isv movable toward and from the other motor means for actuating the movable element with `a two step closing movement rst into a position adjacent the other element and second into final pressing coaction therewith, an operator-operated member for controlling the rst actuating step of the motor means, a second operator-operated member for controlling the second actuating step of the motor means operable independently of the first control `member, and means carried upon the movable pressingele'ment and operable at will so long as the press is closed for locking the press closed in the rstposition before and after the second step.

2. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other motor means for-actuating the `movable element with a two step closing movewhich controls the first step and the part of the-feed line for supplying motive power for the second step of the motor means..

3. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing Ielements, one of which is'movable toward and from the other motor means for actuating the movable element with a two step closing movement, first into a preliminary closed -position and second into nal closed position, a motive power feed line, operator-operated membersfor controlling respectively the first and second steps, said control members being connected in series in the feed line with the control member which controls the second step between the member which controls the first step and the part of the feed line for supplying motive power for the second step of the motor means, and independently operable operator-operated members individual to the control members.

4. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is' movable toward and from the other motor means for actuating the movable element with a two step closing movement, first into -a preliminary closed position and second into final closed position,a motive power feed line, operator-operated members for controlling respectively the iirst and second-steps, said control members being connected in series inthe feed line with the control member which controls the secondl step between the members which controls the first step and the part of the feed line for supplying motivepower for the second step of the motor means, and independently operable pedals individual to the control members.

5. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, and having a two step closing movement iirst intopreliminarily closed position and second into nal closed position, atwo step pressure operated motor means for actuating the movable element, a feed line for a motive fluid under pressure, independently-operable operatoroperated valves jfor controlling the flowof motive fluid to the motor means toeiect'the rst and second steps respectively, the. valves being` connected in series in the feedline and the valve All for controlling the second step being located be- Y tween the valve for controlling the first step and the part of thefeed line for supplying motive power for the second step of the motor means.

6. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, and having a two step closing movement first into a preliminarily closed position and second into final closed position, a two step pressure operated motor means for actuating the movable element, a feed line for a motive iiuid under pressure, independently operable operator operated valves for controlling the ow of motive` fluid to the motor means to effect the first and second steps respectively, the valves being connected in series in the feed line and the valve for controlling the second step being located between the valve for controlling the first stcp and the part of the feed line for supplying motive power for the second step ofthe motor means, and operator controlled means for locking the rst 'step control valve in its operated position.

7. In a pressing machine, cooperating pressing elements, one of which is movable toward and from the other, motor means for actuating the movable element with a two step closing movement first `into* a preliminarily closed position and second into final closed position, a two step pressure operated motor means for actuating the movable element, a feed line for a motive fluid under pressure, independently operable operatoroperated valves for controlling the fiow of motive fluid to the motor means to effect the first and second steps respectively, the valves `being connected in series in the feed line `and the valve for controlling the second step being located between the valve for controlling the first step and the part of the feed line for supplying motive power for the second step of the motor, operator controlled means for locking the first step control valve in its operated position, and operator releasable automatically operated means for locking the second step control valve in its operated position.

8. In a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperativeV pressing elements one of which is movable toward and from the other to close and open the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including motor means; means to control the operation of the motor means to close the press into preliminary closed position and under final heavy pressure; and means to lock the press in preliminary closed position including a control member mounted on erated control means; means to lock the press against opening movement whengin preliminary. closed position; means mounted on the movable pressing element for controlling the press lock- A ing means; and means to release said locking means.

10. In a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements including a buck and a head movable toward and cluding a buck and a head movable4 toward and from the buck; operating mechanism for the head including fluid operated motor means; valve means to control the flow of working fluid to the motor means to move the head into preliminary closed position; other valve means to control the flow of working fluid to the motor means to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements; a control manual mounted on the head; and means operated by said control manual for locking in open position the inlet valve means which control the closing of the press into preliminary closed position and thereby locking the press in preliminary closed position.

12. In a garment orY laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including a preliminary closing motor and a motor to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements; first valve means to control the flow of working fiuid to the preliminary closing motor; and second valve means operable to control the flow of working fluid to the heavy pressure motor to apply heavy pressure in one step, or in graduated steps.

13. In a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including a motor to close the press into preliminary closed position, and a motor to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements; first valve means to control the fiow of working iiuid to the preliminary closing motor; second valve means operable to control the iiow of Working fluid to the heavy pressure motor to apply heavy pressure in one step, or in graduated steps; and means operable at willfor locking the press closed in preliminary closed position.

14. In agarment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press-operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including a preliminary closing motor and a motor to apply final heavy pressure to the pressing elements; first valve means to control the flow of working fluid to the preliminary closing motor; second valve means operable to control the iiow of workingA fluid to the heavy pressure motor to apply heavy pressure in one step, or in graduated steps; means to release heavy pressure; and means for locking the movable'pressing element against opening movement after operation into preliminary closed position by the first motor means, and after release of heavy pressure;

15. In a garment or laundry pressing machinev in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element; including a preliminary closing motor and a motor to apply ilnal heavy pressure to the pressing elements;

, iirst valve means to control the flow of working fluid to the preliminary closing motor; second valve means operable to control the flow of working uid to the heavy pressure motor to apply heavy pressure in one step, or in graduated steps; means operable at will for locking the movable element against opening after operation into preliminary closed position by the rst motor, and means to automatically lock the press against opening movement after operation of the second motor.

16. In a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one ofwhich is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including motor means; means to control the operation of the motor means to close the press into preliminary closed position; means to control the flow of working fluid to the motor means to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements including a pair of valve means, one of which locks in operated position, and the other of which is operable to control the application of graduated heavy pressure to the pressing elements. y

17. 1n a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including motor means; means to control the operation of the motor means to close the press into preliminary closed position; means to contrly the flow of working uid to the motor means toapply heavy pressure to the pressing elements including a pair of independently operable valve means connected so that operation of both is necessary to supply working fluid to the motor; means to 'lock one of said valve means in operated position; and means to operate the valve means to apply graduated heavy pressure to the pressing elements.

18. In a garment or laundry pressing machine in combination cooperative pressing elements one of which is movable with respect to the other to open and close the press; operating mechanism for the movable pressing element including motor means; means to'scontrol the operation of the motor means to close the press into preliminary closed position; means to control the flow of working fluid to the motor means to apply heavy pressure to the pressing elements in graduated steps, said control means including a pair of independently operable valve means connected so that operation of both is necessary to supply working fluid to the motor; a single operatoroperated member connected with each of said valve means; and means to lock one of said valve means in operated position so that the other may be operated alone by said operator-operated member to control the ow o1' working `iluid to the motor means in graduated steps.

19. A garment or ironingl press comprising ccoperating pressing jaws one of .which is movable towards and away from the other, a motor for preliminarily closing the press, control means operable to feed motive fluid thereto, holding means for retaining the control means in Aoperated position, operator-operated means controlling the actuation of the holding means, a second motor operatively connected with the pressing jaws to apply heavy pressure thereto, a rst combined intake and exhaust valve connected with the second motor, holding means connected with the combined intake and exhaust valve and operable upon actuation of said Valve to hold the valves in operated position, a second combined intake and exhaust valve connected in series with the first combined intake and exhaust valve and controlling the flow of motive iiuid thereto, a check valve between the rst and second combined intake and exhaust valves, and operator-operated means for actuating the valves. v

20. A garment or ironing press comprising cooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and away from the other, a motor for preliminarily closing the press, control means operable to feed motive fluid thereto, holding means for retaining the control means in operated position, operator-operated means controlling the actuation of the holding means, a second motor operatively connected with the pressing jaws to apply heavy pressure thereto, a first combined intake and exhaust valve connected with the second motor, holding means connected with the combined intake and exhaust valve and operable upon actuation of said valve to' hold the 105 valves in operated-position, a second combined intake and exhaust valve connected in series with the `iirst combined intake and exhaust valve and controlling the flow of motive fluid thereto, a check valve between the rst and second combined intake and exhaust valves, an operator-operated lever, and spring means connecting the lever and the first and second combined valves for actuating the valves, the spring for the second combined valve operating its valves subse- Y quently to the actuation ofthe first combined valves thereby permittingrelease of ythe second combined valves after the rst combined valves have been lockedin operated position.

21.. A garment or ironing press comprising c ooperating pressing jaws one of which is movable towards and away from the other, a motor' for preliminarily closing the press', control means operable to feed motive uid thereto, holding means or retaining the control means in operated po- 125 sition, a combined intake and exhaust valve connected with the'holding means operator-operated means for actuating the 'combined intake and exhaust valve and thereby actuating theholding means, a second motor operativelyv connected with the pressing jaws to apply heavy pressure thereto, a first combined intake and exhaust valve connected with the second motor, holding means connected with the combined intake and exhaust valve and operable upon actuationof said valve to hold the valves in operated position, a second combined intake and exhaust valve connected in series with the first combined intake and exhaust valve and controlling the flow of motive fluid thereto, a check valve between the iirst and second combined intake and exhaust valves, and operator-operated means foi actuating the valves.

ERNES'` DAVIS. v 

